Quality of life is a concept that has many definitions, to date, there is no consensus regarding the meaning of the term. Given the concept’s multidisciplinary nature, it has been defined as a degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with life, and as dimensions such as health function, emotional response, economics, spirituality, and social support. Older people talk about the quality of life in terms of family relationships, social contacts and activities, general health, and functional status. Quality of life is “an individual’s perception of his or her position in life in the context of the culture and value system where they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. It is a broad-ranging concept, that incorporates a person’s physical health. Psychological state, level of independence, social relationships, personal beliefs and relationship to salient features in the environment (WHO)”
The quality life model includes:
1. Physical well-being and symptoms
(it includes functional ability, strength/fatigue, sleep/rest, nausea, appetite, and constipation)
2. Psychological Wellbeing
(it includes anxiety and depression. enjoyment/leisure, pain. distress. happiness. fear. cognition/attention)
3. Social Well-being
(it includes caregiver burden, roles, and relationships. affection/sexual function. appearance)
4. Spiritual Well-being
The WHO has integrated health and quality of life into a program called Active Aging. The program was designed to help people remain
independent and active as they age.
( to be continued—)